Photo by Rob Nagy

Have you ever had a place far far away in your conscience? Not quite sure when or why? I have always wondered what it would be like to walk the Camino. Camino comes from caminar in Spanish, to walk. Camino can also mean road, track, path or way. Camino is most famously associated with the, "Camino de Santiago", (way of St. James), which is a historical long-distance walking pilgrimage.

I never knew there were over 200 recognized routes and seven are considered the most popular.

The seven most popular routes are:

1) The Camino France's - meaning the French Way, starting in St.Jean Pied de Port, France. The most mountainous, often walked by children, which is 780km (484.67 miles) This is the most popular route, often the most crowded with a highly social experience.

Along the French Way. Photo by Rob Nagy

2) The Camino Portugués - starts in Lisbon, Portugal and it includes Coastal and Central routes by the sea. A quiet, flatter, route with beaches along the coastal towns. This walk is 240km (149.129 miles) this route includes dirt tracks, cobblestones, and quiet roads with forests of eucalyptus and pine trees. Many rivers, streams and medieval bridges on the central routes.

Bryan looking out into the vast areas he was about to hike. Photo by Bryan Steward

3) Camino del Norte - follows the Northern coastline of Spain and a coastal path. This is the third most popular route consisting of beaches, cliffs, and quiet Camino mountainous trails which is 803km (489.961 miles). This is a most challenging more physically demanding route, with fewer accommodations compared to the Camino Frances. This is a coastal route that takes you along the, "Green Coast", with breathtaking ocean views, along the Bay of Biscay, with sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs.

4) Camino Primitivo - is considered the Original Way Route, also the most challenging with a scenic route for experienced hikers. Mountains across valleys and scenic viewpoints. The Apostes Tomb, which is 315km, (195,732 miles) A more rugged route with misty forests, ancient stone bridges and charming remote villages. A more difficult route with an accomplished connection to nature. A challenging and hilly route with constant up and downs, requiring a good level of fitness. Higher elevations with spectacular and expansive views.

5) Camino Ingles - the English Way, starts in either Ferrol or A Corua Spain. Mainly for pilgrims from the British Isles and Scandinavians. It begins along the coastal towns with incredible sea views, with a path inland thru ancient chapels, churches and green tree lined pathways. This route is only 120km (74.565 miles). This is a shorter less crowded route in northern Spain. This route commemorates the Arrival of the Virgin Mary, on a stone boat. This route is in the Galician region, completed in a week with less travelers, fewer crowds and a tranquil journey moderately challenging and a good choice for beginners thru forests, farmland and villages.

6) Camino Finisterre - starts in Santiago and winds thru small fishing ports. Traditionally followed by Santiago to the, "end of the world", Finisterre. Which is only 90-118km, 90km equals 55.923 miles and 118km is 73.322 miles. A quiet, reflective atmosphere.

7) Camino Invierno - also known as the Winters Way. Officially the less crowded. This route is 122km, which is only 75.807 miles. A peaceful and scenic alternative to the more crowded Camino Frances, offering a more solitary experience with stunning natural beauty and rich culture. Taking a lower route through Galacia and is known for its unique landscapes such as the Riviera Sacra's, with terraced vineyards and the ancient Roman gold mines of Las Médulas. Moderate in difficulty but winter weather can make it challenging with fewer services along the way and longer stays, than the more popular routes.

The earliest records of visits paid to the Shrine at Santiago de Compostela date from the 9th century, in the time of the Kingdom of Asturias and Galicia. The earliest records of pilgrims arrived from England belong to the period 1092 and 1105. However by the early 12th century the pilgrimage had become a highly organized affair.

Bryan at the Cathedral de Santiago. Photo by Bryan Steward

Pilgrims walked the Way of St. James often for months and occasionally years at a time to arrive at the great church in the main square of Composetela to pay homage to St. James. St. James the Great's tomb is believed to be in its Cathedral.

Pilgrims could also be imposed as judicial punishment for crimes, a practice that is still occasionally used today. For example, a tradition in Flanders persists of pardoning and releasing one prisoner every year under the condition that accompanied by a guard, the prisoner walks Santiago wearing a heavy backpack.

The exact total of pilgrims who have ever walked the Camino de Santiago is not tracked but recent numbers show a significant and growing trend with over 446,000 pilgrims arriving in 2023 alone. While there is not a cumulative historical total, it is estimated that over half a million may have completed the pilgrimage in the first part of 2025.

The Camino has seen a renaissance, with official numbers increasing from around 99,000 in 1993 to over 446,000 in 2023. However not everyone registers at the Santiago Pilgrim office to receive a Compostelana (Latin word for document) that certifies completion of the Camino.

As you can see the Camino is difficult and has selections of the physical shape you are in regarding each route to choose. No matter what route you take, I've been told the Pilgrimage is addicting in the fact that many who walk for the very first time return to walk a different area and challenge.

View of the Camino. Photo by Erin McDermott

People known as pilgrims walk the Camino for a variety of reasons, which include a combination of spiritual, personal,physical and cultural motivations. Many use it as a religious or spiritual pilgrimage. While others seek a physical challenge, adventure or a chance to disconnect from daily life.

The vast countryside in France. Photo by Rob Nagy

For many it is a journey of self-discovery, an opportunity to reflect and connect with nature and build a sense of community with fellow pilgrims. Over a thousand years, the Camino has been a Christian pilgrimage to the Cathedral de Santiago or the Way of St. James. However many non-religious and mix religions walk for spiritual reasons, seeking to deepen their connection to the world, or find answers to life's deeper questions.

It's a blend of motivations, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the journey. Clearing one's head and reflect on personal issues, loss and grief. Many walk to challenge and test their physical and mental endurance with some meaning to it, as a form of walking meditation. While some are drawn to the simplicity of the journey, which follows a "walk, eat, sleep, repeat" rhythm and involves carrying few possessions along the way.

The Camino is a social experience that offers a chance to meet new people from diverse background and build a sense of community. Walkers can experience the history, culture and landscapes of the regions they pass through including local food and architecture. It is also a way to immerse yourself with the experience of a popular way to practice and learn a new language.

Bryan in one of the towns along the Camino. Photo by Bryan Steward

The Camino is a great way to get exercise and can be a catalyst for a healthier lifestyle. A way to connect with nature and simply to spend time and enjoy the scenery.

The average cost breaks down to $25-$50 a day for daily expenses like accommodations, food, and drinks, with a total budget of $1k to $2k for a one month trip on the trail, not including your flights to get there. Flights to Europe can cost, from the US range from $700-$1200 or more. For your accommodations along the way you can expect to spend as low as $7-$12 a night in a albergues. A private albergues is typically  $8-$20 a night. Hotel and private rooms costing $35-$100 per night. The food a pilgrims menu (menu del día) for lunch or dinner can range from $12-$22. With breakfast costing $2.50-$5.00. Other expenses will be a Pilgrim Passport around $2.00, with additional costs for Luggage transfer services, laundry services and travel insurance.

Albergues are Public or Private hostels or lodging. With Public ones being cheaper but having restrictions like only a one-night stay, NO reservations in advance, NO luggage service and a strict 9pm curfew. Only open to pilgrims with a Credentials (a pilgrims passport) Ranging from $10-$12 a night.

A Private Albergue, cost around $20 a night, you can make reservations in advance, you can stay more than one night, this is offered to both pilgrims and non-pilgrims. Luggage delivery is often available and NO curfews.

You can budget in a buffer for souvenirs, foot medication or a nice meal out. If you choose to walk during the off season, (May, June and September) you may find better deals and fewer crowds. If you consider a longer stay in one place along the Camino you choose to walk, making it a more comfortable trip, plan for a higher daily budget to include private rooms and dining out.

To break it down Spring is from April to June. Which is the BEST weather, mild and blooming landscapes.

April is a good choice for avoiding crowds, though it can be cooler with more unpredictable weather.

May is often considered pleasant  temperatures and lower rain then previous months.

June continues the trend of mild, sunny weather with longer days.

Summer is July-August, which is best for lively atmosphere and more social interaction. These are the busiest and hottest months, especially on the Meseta, so you will need to start walking early and book accommodations in advance.

Autumn is September-October, which is best for fall colors and a good climate before winter starts. September is very popular due to ideal weather accommodations book up quickly though.

October the crowds begin to thin but the chances of rain increase, particularly in Galicia, making a raincoat essential.

Winter is November to March, which is best for the quietest experience and lower prices. This is the coldest and wettest period and some routes may be affected by snow.

Each day many hikers average 20-30km. However you can rest and do shorter days at an appropriate pace for your needs, particularly on routes like the Camino Frances or the Camino Portugués north of Porto, where accommodations are frequent.

With all this knowledge surrounding each Camino I chatted with four different people I know that recently walked the Camino at their very own pace.

I have a close friend from grade school and his son, Bryan, walked both the French way - the Camino Frances, which he claims was more crowded and built up and the closer you get to Santiago, the more crowded it becomes. The last hundred kilometers was the busiest stretch and has a totally different vibe compared to the beginning in St. Jean. During that final stretch, you start meeting people who have walked countless variations of the many routes that all converge toward Santiago. He felt it was really interesting to hear about the different paths pilgrims have taken. He hiked the French Way, from August through October, which is generally considered the less busy time compared to the peak summer months.

Bryan at a cross road. Photo by Bryan Steward

Bryan also hiked the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago, in July. Even though it was peak season, he claims it was less busy than the French Way. He felt more alone on this route, which has its pros and cons. The solitude was nice but sometimes he felt out of place walking through towns and cities.  He took the Coastal route, which splits from the main path for awhile. When he reconnected with the main route he found many people ( pilgrims) did not even know the coastal route was an option. He felt a bit overwhelmed joining the main path because of the larger crowds but he said, "it wasn't anywhere near as busy a path as the French Way".

After Bryan finished the Portuguese Way, he continued from Santiago to Finisterre. This was the least busy section of the trail. There were nights when he experienced being the only person in the albergue and some days he hardly saw another person. It took him about a week to complete that stretch although others finish it in three days. Bryan felt the Finisterre itself was very crowded, since many tourists visit and a lot of pilgrims take a bus there after reaching the Santiago. He felt that Cape Finisterre had some of the most breathtaking views of his whole journey.

Part two to this column will be me, Kat, chatting with four people I interviewed who recently walked the Camino. Each a different path and their candid answers to how they were affected for life, after their walks. Each from completely different walks of life with all different ages and hiking abilities.

Hope you will return to read of these spectacular accomplishments, some as recent as two weeks ago and some earlier this year 2025.